Matt LeBlanc to Join ‘Top Gear’ as Host

LONDON — Former “Friends” star Matt LeBlanc has been revealed as one of the new presenters of BBC motoring show “Top Gear.” LeBlanc’s appointment marks the first time the show has ever had a non-British host in its 39-year history.

He joins lead presenter Chris Evans on the revamped show, which is expected to return to TV screens in May.

LeBlanc commented: “As a car nut and a massive fan of ‘Top Gear,’ I’m honored and excited to be a part of this iconic show’s new chapter.”

Evans said of his new ‘Top Gear’ presenter: “Matt’s a lifelong fellow petrolhead and I’m thrilled he’s joining ‘Top Gear.’ Acting out our craziest car notions on screen is a dream job and I know we’ll both be debating some epic road trip ideas. We can’t wait to share what we’ve been up to on screen later this year.”

LeBlanc has recently been starring in BBC-Showtime comedy “Episodes,” for which he won a Golden Globe. He’s already a familiar face to “Top Gear” viewers, having been a two-time guest on the show and the fastest celebrity to date around the “Top Gear” track in its reasonably priced car. LeBlanc also presented the recent standalone spin-off “Top Gear: The Races,” where he led fans through some of the most memorable racing moments from the previous 22 series.

He joins the production immediately and additional “Top Gear” cast members will be confirmed shortly. American viewers can catch “Top Gear” on BBC America. See a clip of LeBlanc’s guest stint on the series below.